Anthony Tinker III apprehended by K9 Rylin and K9 Midas after committing several felony crimes

Update at 5:49PM on 11/15/22:

At 5:59 PM on November 14, 2022, Anchorage Police responded to the 3000-block of Minnesota Drive regarding an adult male, later identified as 29-year-old Anthony C. Tinker III, who was yelling and appeared to be suffering from a mental health episode; the caller stated she was frightened due to Tinker’s behavior.  (APD Case 22-36888).  Upon arrival officers detained Tinker and transported him to a facility for mental health treatment.  Ultimately the facility released Tinker and gave him a taxi voucher.

 Tinker used the voucher to take a taxi to the Sullivan Arena.  Once there, Tinker stole the cab and crashed it at E 6th Avenue and Fairbanks Street.  Tinker fled the area on foot; APD was notified at 9:22 PM and subsequently responded to the scene (APD Cases 22-36907 and 22-36910).

 About 30 minutes later, APD Dispatch received a call from a citizen stating their white 2011 Mercedes had been stolen from them by an adult male armed with a handgun on the 800-block of E 6th Avenue (APD Case 22-36913).  The unoccupied and newly wrecked Mercedes was located on the 5000-block of Van Buren Street at 10:30 PM.

 At 9:46 PM a citizen called APD Dispatch and stated he had been standing just outside his apartment when an injured and armed male walked inside through the open front door, ordered everyone out, and then locked himself in the apartment (APD Case 22-36913).

 SWAT responded to the 2400-block of Bentzen Circle.  During the investigation it was determined the suspect inside the apartment was Tinker, and that Tinker was also responsible for the theft of the Mercedes on E 6th Avenue.  Ultimately Tinker emerged from the first-floor apartment after SWAT deployed gas; Tinker had a handgun in his hand.  Tinker ignored officers’ commands and ascended the exterior apartment staircase towards other apartments.  K9 Rylin was deployed first.  K9 Rylin contacted Tinker’s arm however Tinker continued to fight and climb the stairs.  K9 Midas was deployed and contacted Tinker’s other arm.  Officers were able to take Tinker into custody; Tinker was transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the car wrecks, from the dog bites, and gas exposure.

 Tinker is being charged with Burglary I, three counts of Assault III, Theft II, Criminal Mischief III, Resisting, two counts of Vehicle Theft I, and Robbery I.  The circumstances under which Tinker obtained the handgun are still under investigation.

Update at 4:10AM on 11/15/22:

The suspect has been taken into custody. SWAT will be leaving the area shortly, but police will remain on scene for several hours while the home is processed.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Update at 12:55AM on 11/15/22:

Officers with SWAT and the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) have responded to the 2400-block of Bentzen Circle for an on-going investigation.

Depending on the actions of the suspect and/or suspects, our response may include using a variety of tools, the drone, and tactics to apprehend them. This could involve the deploying of gas; nearby citizens with respiratory illnesses/sensitivities should remain inside and make sure doors and windows are closed.

Please follow officers’ instructions if you are in the area to include evacuation of your home if necessary. If you do not need to be in the vicinity, avoid it and seek alternative routes until further notice.

We ask both the public and the media to refrain from posting/publishing photos and/or video of the scene until the situation is over. Showing tactical positions and movements in these types of situations can put the public and officers’ safety at risk.

We appreciate the community's cooperation and understanding during our response. We will keep you safe and informed of any new developments.

Original at 12:43AM on 11/15/22:

A heavy police presence will be in the area for several hours. This is a developing investigation. Depending on the situation, our response may require using a variety of tactics and tools (to include the drone)

APD Case 22-36914